18,500 marathon runners expected to rock Savannah

SAVANNAH, Ga. -- For a third straight year, the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon is turning up the tourist volume during what would otherwise be a quiet November weekend for Savannah.

More than 18,500 runners have signed up for the 26.2-mile road race Saturday and its more forgiving half-marathon. Joe Marinelli, president of Savannah's visitor bureau, says many hotels are sold out for what's become one of the city's biggest tourist events after its mammoth St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Savannah-Chatham County police spokesman Julian Miller says "tons of officers" will be deployed along the course and extra security measures are being taken in wake of the deadly Boston Marathon bombing in April.

Organizers of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon estimate the event brought $13.6 million in direct spending to Savannah businesses last year.